At what height is a plant a tree?

[Treeaddict]

Anyone know a/the textbook regulation height to consider a species a tree? I just learned it and found it interesting and wondered why I hadn’t thought about it before. It’s based on capability to attain this height, therefore a sapling of a tree species still qualifies.

 

[Mellow]

 

[Bodean]

SF ordinance is 15 feet.

 

[Treeaddict]

The ISA cert says 10’. I’m sure there’s variables country and worldwide. Just thought it interesting.

 

[flushcut]

If a plant is of a tree species then it is a tree regardless of height. Just my opinion.

 

[BlackSmith]

Maybe the Supreme Court should decide.

 

[lxskllr]

It's all pretty arbitrary anyway. Words are just tools to describe the world around us, and carry no weight on their own. If everybody agrees only trees have tomatoes, Then that's what a tree is.

 

[CurSedVoyce]

What is a Tree? | Forestry | Extension

Learn about the differences between a tree and other plant forms. What is the definition of a tree? What is the difference between a deciduous or evergreen tree? Learn key characteristics of trees. Forestry Extension at Utah State University

extension.usu.edu

 

[Treeaddict]

I think per the ISA study guide, the 10’ was to show how a palm would be called a tree instead of a grass.

 

[Kaveman]

Maybe the Supreme Court should decide.

Ooo! Let's start fundraising! If we spread our money in the right places, we can get Fir reclassed as a "shrub" and open up logging again! We're just clearing brush is all! Lolz

 

[Kaveman]

It's all pretty arbitrary anyway. Words are just tools to describe the world around us, and carry no weight on their own. If everybody agrees only trees have tomatoes, Then that's what a tree is.

John, you're looking at it the wrong way. Words are magic, and you just showed us how to make a tomato into a tree...

 

[Treeaddict]

Another reason for the definition, I suppose, is legally discerning what a landscaper can work on vs an arborist. This is applicable to regions requiring licenses. Insurance (from what I’ve seen) sometimes insure a company to work on plant life but can limit height.